Chapter 401: 408: Underestimating Me Too Much

This servant boy was no ordinary one; in fact, he was the second housekeeper from the outer court of the Yin Family. At a young age, he had secured the position of the second housekeeper, which showed his exceptional ability. His status was not too low to come and welcome Su Wenyue. The Yin Family, with its profound heritage, wanted to foster a relationship with Han Yu but was reluctant to seem overly humble. Instead, they approached things on an equal footing.

“Your Miss shows her heart.” Su Wenyue nodded, her demeanor towards the servant boy distant yet with a hint of kindness, which in turn made the servant boy even more respectful towards her.

“Wherever, wherever. My Miss has instructed us that the Madam is an honored guest. It’s just that today, because of the banquet, she could not come in person to welcome you at the mansion gates. I hope the Madam forgives this. I will now lead the Madam inside.” The second housekeeper spoke as he took the lead, setting a pace that was neither too fast nor too slow, allowing Su Wenyue to follow comfortably.

Chen Li stood there for a while, seeing that no one bothered with her, she unwillingly followed along, trailing behind Su Wenyue. She had been banking on the Yin Family’s servants asking about her or Su Wenyue casually mentioning her. She didn’t expect to be completely ignored, and furiously followed behind Su Wenyue.

Although Chen Li was annoyed, her patience developed over her career in the workplace, and she understood what was beneficial for her. Despite her dislike for Su Wenyue, following her had its advantages. At the very least, people attending the banquet would see her as an acquaintance of Su Wenyue’s, which would improve their attitude toward her, making it easier to connect with the other distinguished ladies, especially since the way Miss Yin treated Su Wenyue made it pretty clear.

Su Wenyue was well aware of Chen Li’s doings these days, seeing through her intentions at a glance. Chen Li was overconfident if she thought she could use Su Wenyue as a stepping stone.

Su Wenyue did not stop Chen Li from following her but couldn’t help revealing a mocking smile. Even so, she did not underestimate Chen Li’s capabilities. After all, this woman had once attained the position of an Imperial Consort. Even though Su Wenyue saw through her tactics, she remained vigilant. It’s the cautious that sail the ship ten thousand years.

“Sister Yue, it seems you have quite a good relationship with Miss Yin. It’s not just a few brief encounters, is it? Otherwise, Miss Yin wouldn’t show you such respect. Sister Yue, you really are modest.” Chen Li, seeing that Su Wenyue did not oppose her following, started conversing with her again, subtly accusing Su Wenyue of lying to her. However, she spoke in a pleasant manner that didn’t come off as offensive.

Su Wenyue admired Chen Li’s thick-skinned nature anew, but wouldn’t allow Chen Li to climb up by holding onto her coattails. Somewhat coldly, she said, “Miss Chen, it seems we are not so familiar with each other. The term ‘Sister Yue’ is not one I can accept. Please address me as Madam Han to avoid misunderstandings.”

Chen Li heard Su Wenyue’s words but paid them no mind, instead cozying up to Su Wenyue even more, “Sister Yue, why be so formal with me? Even if we are not very close, Big Brother Han and I go way back. I don’t want to see us be so distant.”

This was Chen Li trying to use Han Yu to pressure Su Wenyue. It was a misconception born from Su Wenyue’s previous accommodating attitude, convincing Chen Li that Su Wenyue wouldn’t dare to counter her too harshly. Unfortunately, she miscalculated.

In the past, Han Yu had advised Su Wenyue to keep her distance from Chen Li, considering Liu Xiu’s high regard for Chen Li and her scheming nature. He didn’t want his daughter-in-law to offend Chen Li too much, to avoid disadvantages, considering Chen Li’s remarkable money-making ability. But since learning of her wife’s parents’ home’s intentions and wanting to get involved, his attitude had changed. With her in-laws’ backing, what did it matter to him what this flirtatious woman did? Not stepping on her was already giving her face.

By this time, Su Wenyue’s expression had completely cooled, and she regarded Chen Li with indifference, “Miss Chen, out of respect for Lord Liu, I’ve showed you some courtesy. Do not overstep, and don’t think too highly of yourself; otherwise, don’t blame me for not being polite.”

Chen Li responded to Su Wenyue’s words with an appearance as if she were about to cry, puzzled by Su Wenyue’s sudden assertiveness. Seeing the onlookers’ attention fixed on them, she played the damsel, “Sister Yue, why are you like this? I genuinely regard you as my own sister. Why do you treat me so, when you weren’t like this before?”

The onlookers, seeing Chen Li like this, calmly watched the spectacle. Some, ignorant of the real circumstances, even gave Su Wenyue condemning looks, as if Su Wenyue had wronged Chen Li in some way.

The second housekeeper, who had witnessed the entire event from start to finish, had a hint of mockery and disdain in his eyes. This woman really was calculating, but some things can’t be accomplished by scheming alone. Status determined the issue, and to him, Chen Li was no more than a clown.

Su Wenyue’s patience had reached its limit. Even if she did not care about the gazes of those people, she was still furious inside. Chen Li was treating her as a fool, “Miss Chen, don’t push your luck. For a woman who covets her husband, my current demeanor is already very polite. All this ‘sister’ talk, and if you’re aspiring to be my husband’s concubine, see if you’re even worthy of it, lest I say something unpleasant.”

With Su Wenyue’s words, the onlookers shifted their gaze toward Chen Li, seeing her with scorn and contemplation, especially since those who could be invited by the Yin Family were all legal wives who disdained those who would seduce men, like a vixen.

Chen Li’s face turned red and then white as she heard Su Wenyue speaking openly before everyone. Feeling both embarrassed and furious under their scornful looks, she pointed at Su Wenyue, “Su Wenyue, you’re talking nonsense! Although I, Chen Li, may not have been born into a noble family, I’ve lived a decent and upright life. I am not someone who would be a concubine. You underestimate me too much!”

This was Chen Li’s sincere wish; she would only be the legal wife, never the concubine. If she were indeed to be with Han Yu, Su Wenyue would naturally have to step aside.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The crowd couldn’t see through Chen Li’s thoughts and, hearing her words, seemed a bit less disparaging. This woman seemed humble yet ambitious, which made Su Wenyue’s assertiveness seem somewhat excessive.

However, that was just a minority opinion. Most people simply watched the drama unfold, especially those with discernment. Seeing Chen Li’s revealing outfit, they already had their verdict. Such a woman could not be a demure one; she was dressed like a vixen, and yet she played the part so well.

Seeing Chen Li so defensive, Su Wenyue couldn’t help but feel no longer angry, “Sorry, I forgot Miss Chen is a woman of great ambitions, who would not covet just the position of a concubine. But aiming too high is not always good either.”